First, unlike the Anthony saga, which dragged on throughout the entire season, the Nets-Jazz trade was consummated quickly and with zero media attention. Second — and most importantly — the Nets made the move with no assurances that Williams would sign an extension before he can opt out of his deal after next season. Indeed, Williams was as unaware as everyone else that this deal would go down.

Williams can’t sign an extension until the summer, which leaves New Jersey a limited window to sell their new point guard on the prospect of headlining the franchise once it relocates to Brooklyn.

The deal has layers of ramifications and intrigue. Obviously the Nets have to be giddy about stealing some of the limelight from their brethren across the Hudson river, but beyond that the Jazz[5] are now armed with high-value draft picks and young big men including Favors, Paul Millsap and former Celtic Al Jefferson[6]. This also closes an unfortunate chapter in Utah’s history that began when longtime coach Jerry Sloan[7] left the team after a reported blowup with Williams about the direction of the team.

For now, though, Williams is New Jersey’s most significant addition since it pried Jason Kidd[8] loose from Phoenix. If he stays, the prospect of Williams matching up with Rajon Rondo[9] four times a season is enticing. As an added bonus, if the Knicks actually are able to snag Chris Paul[10] in free agency after next season, the Atlantic Division will become point guard central.

The issue for the Celtics is obvious. They will be a much different team after next season (assuming there is a next season). All of their key players besides Rondo and Paul Pierce[11] will either be off the books or have new deals in place. With the Knicks, Nets and even the young 76ers gathering steam, competition will be fierce and the Celtics will be facing an overhaul. That’s a discussion for another day — and another collective bargaining agreement.

We haven’t yet reached the zero-hour of this season’s trade deadline, but it’s hard to imagine anyone else making a bolder, and more far-reaching move than the Nets did when they shook up the NBA and acquired Williams.